ental health patients is a manifestation of patient relapse. Relapse among mental health patients is known to vary by patient group, with some conditions and disorders associated with higher rates of relapse than others (Hogan, 1999; Rosenheck, 2000). Additionally, patient behaviors are implicated in relapse (Sullivan, Wells, Morgenstern, & Leake, 1995). It is necessary, therefore, to identify all factors that may provide valid predictors of future relapse and recidivism.
Two research questions were addressed in this study. These research questions were as follows;
1. What factors (diagnoses, behaviors, and so forth) are valid indicators of future recidivism among mental health patients?
2. What categories, dimensions, and so forth valid indicator factors are valid predictors of future recidivism among mental health patients?
Overview of the Remainder of the Study
A review of the literature relevant to the problem investigated is presented in the following chapter. The methodology followed in the conduct of the research is described and explained in chapter 3. The results of the research performed are presented in Chapter 4, and a summary of the study, together with the conclusions drawn are presented in the final chapter.
The purpose of this study was to identify those factors and characteristics that predict recidivism, or relapse, among HMO mental health patients. Recidivism in the care of mental health patients is a manifestation of patient relapse. Relapse among mental health patients is known to vary by patient group, with some conditions and disorders associated with higher rates of relapse than others (Hogan, 1999; Rosenheck, 2000). Additionally, patient behaviors are implicated in relapse (Sullivan, Wells, Morgenstern, & Leake, 1995). Literature is reviewed in relation to these issues.
Schizophrenia is a disorder identified by the presence of "characteristic psychotic symptoms during the active ...